Biology : Jeremy Magee
Email: mageej@ortrail.k12.or.us
Phone: (503)668-8011 ext. 559

Textbook: “Prentice Hall Biology”

Materials Needed:
  • Notebook
  • Pen or Pencil
  • Paper
  • Planner

Course Description:
This course will focus on the living world around us. Students will investigate the characteristics and interactions of organisms representing the five Kingdoms of living things.



Major Topics Covered
  • Lab safety
  • Scientific Method
  • The Microscope
  • Ecology
  • Characteristics of Life
  • The Cell
  • Heredity and Genetics
  • Biological Evolution and Natural Selection
  • Classification
  • Microbiology
  • Animal Kingdom
  • Kingdom Fungi
  • Plant Kingdom
  • Oregon Biophysical Provinces

Students will also be given at least one opportunity per term to complete a scientific inquiry work sample.

Grading Procedures
Grades are based on percentage of total possible points collected through tests, quizzes, homework, labs and projects

100-90% - A
89-80% - B
79-70% - C
69-60% - D
59-0% - F

Academic and Behavioral Policies
  • Be in your seat and ready to work when the tardy bell rings and stay in your seat until the dismissal bell rings.
  • Arrive to class prepared to be productive and focused on biology
  • Food will not be eaten in class
  • Drinks other than water are not allowed in class
  • The class room should be a safe place physically and emotionally so leave your negative or disrespectful comments outside and avoid horseplay
  • Inappropriate language will not be tolerated
  • Class equipment should be respected and used in a responsible manner
  • Electronic devices should not be used or visible in the classroom. This includes text messaging.
  • Homework assignments are due at the beginning of the period
  • Please keep track of assignments and their due dates and copy this information into your planner
  • Students may not leave the classroom without a planner!
  • Assignment/Test make-up policies can be found on page 11 of the student planner. I must emphasize that it is the student responsibility to contact the instructor to arrange for making up missed assignments/tests due to absence, and these arrangements must be made immediately after the student returns from an absence
  • Labs must be made-up within a week because many of the labs make use of special equipment or perishable lab supplies that cannot be permanently accessible
  • Don’t forget: anyone can be successful in this class if they put forth effort, participate, and ask for help if there is something that they do not understand.

Graduation Requirements
Although it is not necessary to complete career related learning experiences and extended application until senior year, Biology students can explore possibilities for meeting these requirements while enrolled in this class. Interested students should discuss these possibilities with me after reviewing their education plan with their counselor.





The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead: his eyes are closed.
–Albert Einstein
Sandy High School Tardy Policy
1st Offense Teacher/Student Conference
2nd Offence Teacher/Parent Contact
3rd Offence Referral to Administration
4th Offence Referral and Wednesday School
Excessive Referral and 1 Day Suspension